M A I L B A G

UN is still relevant for world peace

The United Nations turned 60 recently. It has seen many ups and downs over the years. Notwithstanding its shortcomings, it is still relevant as a forum for promoting international peace.

True, man has the capacity to destroy the world. But he can also save it for a better tomorrow. We should rid ourselves of the war system so that we can live peacefully. Here in lies the significance of the UN system.

It is time the strength of permanent members of the UN Security Council was increased. Keeping in view its size and role in promoting international peace, India should be made a permanent member of the Security Council. The United States and China should not stand in the way. The veto system must be changed and other organs of UN need to be democratised and strengthened so that action can be taken against those member countries violating the international law. We should try to save the UN system as it is the only ray of hope for the survival of the human race.

Prof. K.L. BATRA, Yamunanagar

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This refers to the news-item about Pakistan’s UN delegate Akram Zaki’s warning against increasing the number of permanent members of the Security Council (Oct 14). He reportedly said that there should be expansion of the council only in the category of non-permanent members. This is unfortunate. Clearly, Pakistan has been trying to scuttle India’s efforts to join the Security Council as a permanent member.

When India and Pakistan are trying to forge friendly ties by burying the hatchet, Pakistan must stop making unfriendly statements against India at world fora. It should not create hurdles in India’s entry into the Security Council. India’s permanent membership in the Security Council is long overdue.

K. LALL, Yamunanagar

Why should only women fast? Karva Chauth was observed on Sunday. Women were on fast praying for the long life of their husbands. It was also another day when widows were forcibly made to feel inferior to that of married women. Just imagine how widows felt on Karva Chauth when they were left out by women, dressed in their best clothes, going to temples. Moreover, it was the day when women were made to realise their inferior status vis-à-vis their husbands. What I wonder is why should only women go on fast for their husbands’ long life? Women today are educated and financially independent. They have no reason to suffer in silence. I think married women should come forward and fight against all kinds of discrimination, oppression and torture, psychological or otherwise, in society. Otherwise, generations will have to face the same situation, making women’s emancipation a mirage. URJA KUMAR, Yamunanagar

Himalayan ecology

Dharmendra Sharma’s suggestion to resort to cycling instead of motoring is worthy of attention (Oct 22). Raid-de-Himalaya, however, is the state’s only annual car rally. Compared to vehicular traffic, human interference is more degrading. Many a Kulvi have been exploiting the forest areas much more than what is scientifically permitted and/or legally entitled to them. Take a round of Kothi, Rahla, Gulaba, Marhi, Rohtang etc. More than vehicular fumes, it is non-biodegradables scattered all over by the internal and external tourists which defile the ecology more.

It is, therefore, desirable that we avoid being subjective in singling out a limited sport like the car rally for our ecological apprehensions. We should instead set an example by discarding automobiles in favour of cycling and trekking.

K.L. NOATAY, Shimla

Paddy burning

Every year during this time, when paddy is burnt in the field after harvesting, it causes air pollution at a level that sometimes becomes difficult for one to breathe. People from all age groups suffer from asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory tract infections.

Over the years, the Punjab State Pollution Control Board has not taken any effective measures to prevent this type of health hazard. The authorities should not only educate the farmers but also provide alternative for paddy burning. The media can also play a very important role in controlling this menace.

Dr KIRTI DUA, Ludhiana

Serial killer’s arrest

The arrest of serial killer Darbara Singh is a feather in the cap of Punjab Police. He is responsible for raping many innocent girls. He has killed as many as 17 girls. Now that he is under arrest, he should be tried and given condign punishment. As he was a prize catch, those who were instrumental in his arrest should be rewarded by the authorities.

SIMMI MOHINDRU, Jalandhar City

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Darbara Singh has killed 17 innocent kids. One should think of the agony of their parents. Of late, the Jalandhar police has proved that no criminal can escape from the clutches of law. Without any delay, he should be tried fast and punished so that criminals get a lesson.

HARPREET KAUR BHATIA, Jalandhar

Traffic hazard

Too many unauthorised speed-breakers, installed by influential individuals and institutions like schools, temples and Gurudwaras in Jalandhar are in gross violation of the Motor Vehicle Act. These are not marked and hence not in conformity with engineering standards. As they are a safety hazard and disrupting the smooth flow of traffic, the authorities should intervene and do the needful.

Lt-Col M.S. PELIA, Jalandhar